Is Mohamed Salah Losing His Edge at Liverpool?
In the world of football, few players have shone as brightly as Mohamed Salah since his arrival at Liverpool from AS Roma in 2017. This Egyptian superstar has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent, securing the Golden Boot on four occasions-two of which were shared-and earning the Premier League Player of the Season award twice. During the 2024-25 season, he amassed an impressive 57 goal contributions over 52 matches, playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s historic 20th league title win, which paved the way for a lucrative contract extension. Mohamed Salah‘s impact has been undeniable, marking him as a key figure in the Reds’ success.
Salah’s Career Highlights and Recent Challenges
As the years progress, even legends like Salah begin to face the inevitable effects of time. At 33, the forward has seen a noticeable dip in his form this season, managing just four goals in Liverpool’s first 12 Premier League outings. Critics have pointed out not only his reduced scoring but also his apparent reluctance to engage in defensive responsibilities, raising questions about his overall commitment on the pitch.
Insights from Graeme Souness
During a discussion on talkSPORT, ex-Liverpool standout Graeme Souness reflected on Salah’s legacy, calling him a phenomenal talent who has been the team’s backbone for nearly a decade. Souness noted, “He’s been incredible-truly a superstar. In any dream Liverpool lineup, he’d be an automatic choice. Yet, it feels like a different player has shown up this year.” He elaborated on a moment from the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, where Salah opted not to contest a ball heading toward the opposition’s left-back. According to Souness, “He’s never been the type to dive into risky challenges, and that’s fine given his brilliance in attack. Still, this reluctance signals a dip in drive, and sometimes tough feedback is what’s needed to reignite that spark and return him to his peak.”
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Opponents Exploit Weaknesses
Following Liverpool’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Chelsea recently, the Blues’ defender Marc Cucurella highlighted vulnerabilities in the team’s setup. He explained, “We focused our attacks on their right flank since we’re aware Salah is typically poised for quick breaks and counters. Our coaching staff prepared us for this, emphasizing potential gaps, and it paid off in the closing moments.” Cucurella added, “Their approach relies heavily on Salah’s forward surges, so we countered with fast crosses, which ultimately helped us secure the win.”
Calls for Leadership from Jamie Carragher
In the wake of Liverpool’s embarrassing 3-0 setback at Nottingham Forest, which pushed them down to 12th in the standings, former defender Jamie Carragher openly criticized Salah. On Monday Night Football, Carragher remarked, “Salah only seems to speak up when he’s awarded player of the match or negotiating a deal. As a true leader and club icon, it’s time for him to step forward and address the squad publicly.”
What’s Next for Liverpool Under Slot
The team’s manager will be eager to turn things around as Liverpool faces PSV in their upcoming Champions League fixture at home. Shortly after, they’ll take on West Ham in the Premier League, hoping to climb back up the rankings and restore their former glory.
Graeme Souness’s Critique of Mohamed Salah
Background on the Criticism
Graeme Souness, the former Liverpool midfielder turned pundit, has never shied away from voicing his opinions on current football stars, and his recent comments on Mohamed Salah have stirred up quite a debate among Liverpool fans and Premier League enthusiasts. Souness pointed out what he sees as a “lack of appetite” in Salah’s play, suggesting that the Egyptian forward might be losing some of his trademark hunger for goals and battles on the pitch. This critique ties directly to early performances, including the Community Shield, where subtle signs of this issue reportedly emerged.
In discussions around Premier League football, keywords like “Mohamed Salah criticism” and “Graeme Souness opinions” often highlight how veteran voices like Souness provide valuable insights into player form and motivation. His comments, which echo broader themes in football analysis, emphasize the importance of maintaining peak mental and physical drive, especially for a player of Salah’s caliber at Liverpool.
What Exactly Did Souness Say About Salah’s ‘Lack of Appetite’?
Souness’s remarks focused on Salah’s apparent dip in intensity, particularly in high-stakes matches where the forward’s usual relentless pressing and finishing prowess seemed subdued. He argued that this “lack of appetite” could stem from external factors like contract negotiations or the natural ebbs and flows of a long career in the Premier League.
- Key elements of Souness’s argument:
- Salah’s goal-scoring record remains impressive, but Souness noted instances where the player appeared less engaged in defensive duties or off-the-ball movement.
- He compared this to Salah’s earlier days at Liverpool, where the winger’s appetite for every challenge was evident, making him a fan favorite and a key part of Jürgen Klopp’s tactics.
- Souness specifically referenced “warning signs from the Community Shield,” pointing to moments where Salah’s involvement was minimal, such as missed opportunities or subdued runs.
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Early Warning Signs from the Community Shield
The Community Shield often serves as a curtain-raiser for the Premier League season, and for Mohamed Salah, it highlighted potential red flags that Souness latched onto. In that match, Salah’s performance was scrutinized for lacking the explosive starts he’s known for, with experts noting fewer sprints and less frequent involvement in build-up play.
- Specific instances from the game:
- Salah recorded fewer shots on target compared to his averages, which Souness interpreted as a sign of waning desire.
- Observers pointed out that Salah’s positioning was off at times, allowing opponents more space and reducing Liverpool’s overall attacking threat – a departure from his usual role as a driving force.
- This event tied into broader Premier League trends, where early-season form can predict a player’s appetite for the campaign ahead.
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How This Fits into Salah’s Overall Liverpool Career
Delving deeper, Salah’s trajectory at Liverpool has been nothing short of stellar, with over 200 goals and numerous titles, yet Souness’s comments raise questions about sustaining that level of excellence. Factors like age, injuries, and external pressures could contribute to any perceived “lack of appetite,” as seen in recent Premier League matches.
- Pros and cons of Salah’s current form:
- Positive aspects: Salah continues to deliver in big games, with his speed and finishing still ranking him among the top forwards in the Premier League.
- Areas for improvement: Souness highlighted a potential drop in work rate, such as less frequent pressing or tracking back, which could impact team dynamics under Klopp.
- Comparative analysis: When stacked against peers like Sadio Mané or current stars like Erling Haaland, Salah’s “appetite for goals” might appear diminished, prompting discussions on football motivation and player longevity.
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Fan and Expert Reactions to the Criticism
Reactions to Souness’s comments have been mixed, with some fans defending Salah’s contributions while others acknowledge the validity of the critique. On social media and in football forums, debates around “Graeme Souness Mohamed Salah” have gone viral, emphasizing how pundit opinions can influence public perception.
- Fan perspectives:
- Many Liverpool supporters argue that Salah’s “lack of appetite” is overstated, attributing any dips to a demanding schedule or tactical shifts.
- Others see it as a wake-up call, using bullet points in online discussions to list examples of Salah’s resilience in past seasons.
- Expert viewpoints:
- Pundits often compare this to historical Premier League rivalries, noting how criticism from figures like Souness can motivate players.
- Some analysts suggest that early warning signs, like those in the Community Shield, are common and not always indicative of long-term issues.
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The Impact on Liverpool’s Premier League Strategy
Moving forward, Souness’s observations could prompt Liverpool to reassess their approach, particularly in maintaining squad hunger during critical matches. This includes focusing on player rotation and mental preparation to combat any potential “lack of appetite” in key players like Salah.
- Tactical adjustments:
- Klopp might emphasize high-intensity training to reignite Salah’s form.
- Integrating younger talents could share the load, preventing over-reliance on veterans.
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